Dang Gui — Radix Angelicae Sinensis Nourishes and invigorates Blood; supports healthy circulation. "Traditionally known as 'female ginseng,' Dang Gui is used to nourish Blood and support cycle comfort.”
Clinical studies reveal that it is a blood tonic helping red blood cells to support fatigue and general blood deficiency; blood circulation in the abdomen and pelvic cavity to support women’s reproductive health, regulate healthy menstrual cycles, PMS, menopausal transitions, and relieve pain. It has analgesic, anti-inflammatory, calming and relaxing properties due to its active compounds found in the root, called ferulic acid and Z-ligustilide. [NIH, PMC 2011, Aug 25].
White Peony — Radix Paeoniae Alba Nourishes Blood and Yin; softens Liver Qi; eases tension. "White Peony is traditionally used to soften tension and support emotional and hormonal balance."
It is prized in TCM for its phytoestrogen compounds in the root to regulate hormonal imbalances, and promote menstrual support by soothing menstrual cramps, reduce bloating and relieve muscle spasms, and manage menopausal symptoms, hot flashes, anxiety and mood swings. [Linden Botanicals, summarizing Frontiers in Pharmacology research].
The active compound paeoniflorin has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties soothing muscle cramps, arthritis pain, and headaches. In TCM it is considered a premier blood tonic used to nourish the liver blood, support hepatic detoxification and promote healthy gut microbiome. [Chen et al., Frontiers in Pharmacology,2022].
Fu Ling — Sclerotium Poriae Cocos Supports healthy fluid balance; calms the mind; eases bloating. "Fu Ling is traditionally used to support healthy fluid balance and enhance a calm, settled feeling."
Clinical studies have revealed Poria cocos support the body's immune system, due its polysaccharide component (Pachymaran) demonstrating immunomodulatory activity by activating relevant cell-signaling pathways. [PMC network pharmacology study, 2024] .
Fú Ling as it is called in TCM, is a popular adaptogen known to “calm the spirit.” This ancient mushroom has been used for centuries in TCM formulations, classified as a tonic herb with mild sedative, immune modulating and diuretic properties. A 2023 clinical trial study conducted on insomnia sufferers with a mean age of 55 concluded that Poria cocos sclerotium improves the quality of sleep. [NIH, PubMed, 2023, Oct 1]. It is often used in modern herbal formulas to help anxiety, tension, stress and insomnia. Poria extracts increase serotonin levels and lower stress-induced sugar cravings. It supports digestive harmony by reducing sluggish digestion, bloating, diarrhea, restrained dampness and edema to normalize metabolic imbalances.
Chai Hu — Radix Bupleuri Moves Liver Qi; eases stagnation-related irritability and breast tenderness. "Chai Hu is traditionally used to support smooth Qi flow and ease occasional irritability.”
PMS, perimenopause and menopause may be referred to as a series of physical and psychological symptoms caused by the fluctuating or decreasing hormone levels during women’s cycles and/or transitions. Women may obtain support and relief from having Chai Hu in clinical TCM formulation prescriptions such as Xiao Yao Wan, Jia Wei Xiao Wan or Chai Hu Shu Gan San for menstrual disorders, breast tenderness, epigastric discomfort, irritability and insomnia caused by PMS. Clinical Chai Hu is known for soothing the liver, relieving depression, regulating qi and blood according to a research study conducted by a medical team in Baltimore. [ NIH Medicine (Baltimore). 2024 Dec 27].
Bai Zhu — Dry-Fried Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephala Strengthens Pancreatic function; supports digestion; reduces bloating and fatigue. "Dry-fried Bai Zhu is traditionally used to support healthy digestion and steady energy."
Documented in multiple network-pharmacology and formula studies as a core Pancreatic-Qi-supporting herb; research on its polysaccharide component shows it can help support healthy gut flora balance promoting beneficial Bifidobacterium and lactic acid bacteria populations. [USPTO patent filing citing pharmacological research].
Mu Dan Pi — Cortex Moutan Radicis Cools Blood heat; eases heat-related irritability and flushing. "Mu Dan Pi is traditionally used to support a cooling, calming response to internal heat."
Mu Dan Pi is a traditional Chinese medicine used in prescribed formulations to treat inflammation, cancer, allergies, diabetes, angio-cardiopathy, and neurodegenerative diseases. In a phytochemical study, the metabolome variation within Mu Dan Pi was collected from 372 tree peony cultivars in a systematically investigation. The results revealed a sum total - 42 metabolites were identified, comprising of 14 monoterpene glucosides, 11 tannins, 8 paeonols, 6 flavonoids, and 3 phenols. [Phytochemistry. 2018 Feb: 146:16-24].
A conclusive Scientific study findings suggest that MDP powder and its water extracts are highly effective at resolving immune cell activation and infiltration in the gut, reducing colitis severity. Thus, MDP and its water extract offer promise as a novel therapeutic strategy for treating inflammatory diseases and IBD. [Scientific Reports volume 10, Article number: 17238].
Zhi Zi — Fructus Gardeniae Jasminoidis Clears heat; eases restlessness; calms the Shen (mind/spirit). "Zhi Zi is traditionally used to ease restlessness and support a settled, calm mind."
Gardenia jasminoides Ellis One genus of Gardenia, belongs to the family of the Rubiaceae. The fruit of G. jasminoides is widely used as a traditional Chinese medicine named "Zhizi". It has significant biologic activities including antipyretic, antianxiety, diuretic effects, Cooling the Blood and Detoxication. Recently, a large quantity of newly-emerging bioactive constituents from G. jasminoides has been reported. The unique constituents iridoid glucosides, and other types of active principles include organic acid, flavonoids, coumarins, lignans, terpenoids, volatile oils and fatty acids. They entitle the plant to possess several bioactivities, such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, cholagogue, diuretic, anticancer, radiological protection, antiphlogistic, antipyretic, analgesic, and antihyperlipidemic effects. [Research Gate November 2011 Chinese Journal of New Drugs ].
Zhi Gan Cao — Honey-Fried Radix Glycyrrhizae Uralensis Harmonizes the formula; supports Spleen Qi; moderates other herbs. "Honey-fried Licorice Root harmonizes the formula and supports overall balance."
Glycyrrhiza uralensis Is highly valued for its natural healing and harmonizing properties in TCM. Modern research shows anti-inflammatory, antiviral, hepatoprotective and antioxidant properties due to the glycyrrhizin, flavonoids, and triterpenoids compounds responsible for its medicinal effects to detoxify pathogens, clear heat, tonify the pancreas, replenish Qi and harmonize the other herbs in a formula. [NIH, PubMed, 2023, Mar 2].
